Is anyone familiar with them? I'm a little concerned with them not only wanting my SS# but a copy of my drivers license as well.

The SS# is not that far-fetched, but until you are totally sure they are legit I would keep my DL away from them.

Perhaps I am foolish, but I figure that companies that use a major shopping site such as Sassie, Prophet, ShopMetrics or ClientSmart are probably legitimate. Other companies that use their own website I am more cautious with, though obviously the big ones such as Market Force, Service Intelligence, Maritz, Mintel and Bestmark (among others) are legitimate. For the legitimate guys I am perfectly happy to provide SS#, W-9, photo, driver's license etc. But when in doubt, hold out.

Instant Replays fits the category, with a ClientSmart sign up at [instant-replays.clientsmart.com] I gather they are fairly new to the industry but there are some good reviews of them on Volition. But I gather these are not movie shops but rather looking for video shoppers.

I have no problem with the SS#, but this is the first time I've been asked for a copy of my drivers license, and that's what set my antennae quivering.

I have submitted a driver's license to a couple of places. It is more frequent with merchandising companies than shopping companies. There was one company, I think it was shopping, that even wanted my car insurance. My best guess is that some of the odd requests may well be knee jerk responses to former 'situations'.

Instant Replays has been around for quite a while and is very highly regarded in the video shopping sector. I would trust Jodi or Jan or Kathy with a heck of a lot more than my SSN and DL number. Also, they have all done a lot of video shops, personally, and really empathize with and support their shoppers in the field. I cannot say enough good things about them. If you check the video shopping threads of other forums you will find similar opinions. The staff there is a breath of fresh air! Their report standards are very high, but they are also very, very loyal to shppers who strive to meet them.

Many video companies and most other companies that might be shipping valuable equipment of some sort to you will ask for a copy of your DL. Some also require a criminal background check. (I suspect that this is because there is a whole class if criminals that target lone sales reps in new homes and/or apartments. Trust me on this. It is from decades of apartment management and home sales experience, and confirmed by local law enforcement.)

Edited to add: I think that Instant Replays is listed on the list of MSCs on this site as Instant Reply, so it has been recognized here as a legitimate company. Also, it seems that they always need more shoppers in southern Virginia for some routine, but nicely paid, apartment shops. I do them whenever I am down that way but it is too far for me to travel on a regular basis unless I have something that will support an overnight stay.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2010 01:29PM by walesmaven.